Vito the Pug Wins Best in Show at the 2024 National Dog Show

Mar. 15, 2025

Vito the Pug at the 2024 National Dog Show.Photo:Purina

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Vito’s Best in Show win at the 2024 National Dog Show caps off a stellar few years for the Pug and his handler, Michael Scott. In 2023, Vito won Best of Breed at the AKC National Show. He earned Best in Breed at this year’sWestminster Dog Showand now has 25 Best in Show titles with his National Dog Show win.

Vito the Pug.Purina

Scott shared in a statement that he was “optimistic” that Vito would win at the National Dog Show, especially since the Pug “has a beautiful head and expression.”

The handler, who led English Pointer Holly to National Dog Show glory in 2008, was right about Vito’s eye-catching look.

“Compact, features, movement — everything a Pug should be,” Best In Show judge George Milutinovich said about Vito.

Vito the Pug with handler Michael Scott.Purina

“Wow. Just wow. Lots of dog in a small package.” Milutinovich added. “To look at a Pug is to put a smile on your face.”

Vito beat out over 1,900 dogs from more than 200 breeds, including a talented Best in Show group, to take home the National Dog Show’s top title. Verde the Welsh Terrier from the Terrier Group, Monty the Giant Schnauzer from the Working Group, Houston the Clumber Spaniel from the Sporting Group, JJ the Lhasa Apso from the Non-Sporting Group, Rupert the Berger Picard from the Herding Group, and The Zit the Ibizan Hound from the Hound Group filled out the rest of the Best in Show pack.

Verde the Welsh Terrier.Purina

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Verde the Welsh Terrier received Reserve Best In Show, the National Dog Show’s second place. Vito took over the National Dog Show crown fromStache the Sealyham Terrier, who won Best in Show in 2023.

source: people.com